Historical Farmhouse

Located in the quaint town of Portsmouth, RI, this single-family Colonial Farmhouse is filled with charm and history. Built in 1878, this 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom sits on over an acre of land and is filled with beautiful gardens, saplings and stonewalls. In addition to the main house, there is also a barn located on the property which could be utilized for various projects and activities!

There are many unique qualities to this home such as the antique stained glass windows, the original stone fireplace and the butler’s pantry. There have been a number of renovations and additions to the home such as a the remodeled kitchen, bathrooms and dining room. Both second floor bathrooms were gutted and enlarged and are now decked out with top of line finishings. With the kitchen redone as well, it is stocked with state of the art appliances, Corian countertops and a stunning backsplash fulfill any renovation dream.

Local Antiquity

Current owner Tucker B. Coffin and his partner are proud of the remodeling they have completed, but love the historical aspects that continue to seep through, allowing the home’s past to be uncovered.

In addition to the outstanding renovations on the interior, the exterior is filled with beautiful landscaping which includes dozens of bushes, plants, flower beds and trees. The lawn is also professionally maintained and reseeded annually by Scott’s Lawn Service. All of the stonewalls have been rebuilt and stabilized, a portico has been added to the front door and outside deck lightening has been installed for the owner’s enjoyment.

This enchanting house embodies the classic feel of the New England, colonial home with a touch of history. Finished with the most up-to-date appliances, furnishings, air conditioning and heating systems, the list price of this house at $449,000 is one you will not want to pass up!

Location Is Key

Buyers searching for waterview homes in Portsmouth, RI are often surprised to learn there are numerous neighborhood beaches up and down the Sakonnet River. The Sakonnet River is a tidal strait that is 14 miles long and flows between Mount Hope Bay and the Rhode Island Sound. It separates Aquidneck Island from the eastern portion of Newport County. There are a number of waterfront properties that line the coasts of the Sakonnet River throughout Aquidneck Island such as the Lawrence Farm, Sea Meadow, McCorrie Point, Indian Avenue, Warren’s Point and Black Point.

These neighborhoods have spectacular views of the Sakonnet River as well as the breath taking sunrises. Many of these homes have outstanding panoramic seascapes of the water and access to the secret shared beaches below the various properties; this is one of the major perks of living in beach oriented neighborhoods. On any given day in the summer, one will often see children and families relaxing, kayaking and paddle boarding at the different neighborhood beaches.

Water View Estates

One specific property located at 18 Friends Street in Portsmouth, has recently been listed in one of the prominent waterfront neighborhoods along the Sakonnet River. This 3,126 square foot Cape Cod home is a four bedroom-four bathroom home with a spectacular waterview and neighborhood private beach access. Equipped with a state of the art kitchen, wet bar, and large deck, this house is perfect for entertaining. The location of this particular home is fantastic due to the proximity of the town beaches, different marinas, golf courses and a large shopping district.

In addition to the gourmet kitchen, the house has an attached three-car garage, a deck off the master suite, central air conditioning and is move in ready. With the selling price at $739,000, this is one house you do not want to miss!

Secret Beaches

Finding the public beaches to be too crowded? Look no further! With these waterfront neighborhoods, each of them have their own private access to some of the best beaches around. More and more island residents are finding out about the little known secluded beaches in the area and have started to disclose their inexpensive yet beautiful locations. For example: the photo on the right showcases the open seacoast and beautiful dock located at the base on Friends Street in Portsmouth, RI.

Callie is a contributing editor at Hogan Associates. She’s a native Aquidneck Islander, a graduate of Portsmouth Abbey and a rising senior at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. She’s studying business with a concentration in marketing and accounting and she loves writing about life on the island.

In March of 2010, one of the largest picture sharing platforms was launched. Founded by Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp and Ben Silbermann, Pinterest now employs over 500 people nationwide. CEO Ben Silbermann summarized the company as a “catalog of ideas,” rather than as a social network, that inspires users to “go out and do that thing.” With that being said, Pinterest allows one to fully express themselves with no prejudice or judgement involved.

Since 2010, Pinterest has remained in the top 5 for photo sharing browsers. People love Pinterest for different reasons such as planning for the future, self-creativity and expression and the plethora of ideas and knowledge offered through their articles, recipes and videos. With that being said, Pinterest is fantastic for organizing thoughts and future plans; the simple layout makes the site user friendly and accessible to users with all technological backgrounds.

WISH LIST OR SHOPPING CART?

Statistics show that more women overall are registered users of Pinterest; however, what men and women utilize Pinterest for is vastly different. More and more women are creating boards of their dream homes and weddings, using the site as a wish list. This is in fact, very different from how men are pinning. Instead of making their Pinterest a hub for ideas and motivation, it is used as a shopping cart for items they plan on buying in the future.

MAKING YOUR NEWPORT HOME STAND OUT?

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to turn your house into a beachy dream home, check out the Shell Cottage board on Pinterest, you might even come across the various Aquidneck Island homes featured on the board! With ideas like these, your home will be feeling like a vacation destination in no time.

https://www.pinterest.com/reep/shell-cottage/

In addition to the different home inspired boards, there are a number of DIY pins on how to get the best bang for your buck while making your home look elegant and sophisticated. Click here to view Today’s Craft and DIY Ideas for staging your home to stand out from the rest!

https://www.pinterest.com/todaysplans/todays-craft-and-diy-ideas/

PIN AWAY

So why join Pinterest? As you can see, no two Pinterest users are alike and this leaves room for imagination and ingenuity. Pinterest can be used for so much more then designing a home or picking out the best pair of shoes. More and more users are using it to relax and wind down as well as to connect with people, so sign up! What do you have to lose?

Callie is a contributing editor at Hogan Associates. She’s a native Aquidneck Islander, a graduate of Portsmouth Abbey and a rising senior at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. She’s studying business with a concentration in marketing and accounting and she loves writing about life on the island.

Traditional Homes With A Modern Twist

James Estes and Peter Twombly, founders and owners of Estes/Twombly Architects, have slowly begun to give quaint New England a taste of the new, contemporary houses growing increasingly popular across America. Some would argue that these stunningly beautiful, yet modern homes have no place here in New England, while others love the thoughtful adaptation of the traditional colonial cottage.

Most of their designs utilize different materials that are climate friendly, and provide natural heating, lighting and ventilation. Their work is innovative yet simplistic, and slowly gaining appeal with classic (some might say staid) New Englanders.

New Age Designs

With the firm’s work often replicating the farm-cottage look, these homes add a contemporary feel to the traditional ocean front cottage we know and love. Some of the new modern elements include the addition of the colored metal roof, kalwall panels, divided light windows and different geometric designs on the interior. Estes Twombly homes are a beautifully restrained mix of traditional and contemporary – always memorable, never over the top.

As the popularity of Estes/Twombly’s designs continue to flourish, each house is noticeably unique with different features tailored to the specific property. Whether it be floor to ceiling windows allowing natural light to flow through the house or a sliding barn door to add a rustic feel to a two car garage, each design is exclusive and different.

Historical Impact

As the saying “bigger is better” is slowly dying out, homes like Estes/Twombly’s are making a more dramatic appearance in the world of real estate and home buying. With the McMansion designs being reeled in, the beach-cottage-farmhouse combos are taking off and becoming the home of choice around New England. Estes/Twombly’s architecture and artisan skills are impeccable and will continue to be marveled over as history and the economy continues to change.

Callie is a contributing editor at Hogan Associates. She’s a native Aquidneck Islander, a graduate of Portsmouth Abbey and a rising senior at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. She’s studying business with a concentration in marketing and accounting and she loves writing about life on the island.

Growing up on Aquidneck Island is a experience like no other. This is a snapshot of some of the favorite places and activities that children know and love after being raised in the ocean state.

1.) Sachuest Town Beach:

If you want great waves and good food, Sachuest Beach is the place to go. Known as “2nd” Beach by the locals, this is home to delectable fried clam cakes and Del’s Lemonade. From Surfer’s End to the last life guard chair, this beach is one you don’t want to miss.

2.) Roger William’s Park Zoo:

One of the country’s oldest zoos, Roger William’s is a destination that cannot be passed over. Opening in 1872, the zoo has been an attraction loved by generation after generation. Home to well over 150 species of unique animals, and being AZA accredited (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), the exhibits are outstanding.

3.) Green Animals Topiary Garden:

Green Animals is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the nation. Once a summer destination for the Brayton Family, the white, sea front cottage overlooks Narragansett Bay. Green Animals continues to house beautiful saplings and, gardens filled with herbs and vegetables and continues to add a splash of history to Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

4.) Providence Children’s Museum:

The first and only children’s museum in the state of Rhode Island, Providence Children’s Museum is interactive and is filled with exciting exhibits. With their mission of children learning through play, the museum provides hands-on and engaging activities and environments for all ages.

5.) Sweet Berry Farm:

Located in Middletown, Rhode Island, Sweet Berry Farm is known for their seasonal fresh fruits, picnic areas and homemade ice cream. Picking season is from June-December starting with strawberries and ending with christmas trees. In addition to the fresh fruits, there is a small cafe with baked goods, soups and salads; a perfect stop on the way to one of the local beaches.

6.) Norman Bird Sanctuary:

Looking over Sachuest Beach, the Norman Bird Sanctuary has over 300 acres and seven miles of hiking trails. With their goal to increase environmental literacy across Rhode Island, Norman Bird Sanctuary offers a number of children’s camps, classes and public events and programs.

7.) The Carousels of Rhode Island:

Home to five beautiful carousels across the state, each location offers a slice of history and art about Rhode Island. The Flying Horse Carousel, located in Watch Hill, Rhode Island is believed to be the oldest golden ring carousel in the USA. The Crescent Park Loof and Slater Mill Loof Carousels were built by Charles D. Loof in 1885 and 1895. What makes these two so unique is that the horses tails are made of real horse hair and they are two of the fastest carousels to operate. Carousel Village, located at Roger Williams Park, is home to the one and only Loof Lion, named after Charles Loof himself. Last but not least is the Easton’s Beach Carousel. Located just above the Save the Bay Aquarium in Newport, Rhode Island, it provides a day full of excitement. The best part is that all five are accessible during a quick day trip!

Callie is a contributing editor at Hogan Associates. She’s a native Aquidneck Islander, a graduate of Portsmouth Abbey and a rising senior at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. She’s studying business with a concentration in marketing and accounting and she loves writing about life on the island.

If you live in Newport year round, chances are you have some connection to boats, sailing and other nautical pursuits. Take David Norton, for example. He’s the owner of Lemon & Line, and the subject of my first Hogan Associates’ blog post.

This is the first in a series of blog posts about one-of-a-kind shops in Newport. Lemon & Line is nautically inspired and based right here in Rhode Island. Growing up in Barrington, Rhode Island, David Norton was an avid sailor and lover of the ocean. After graduating from Saint Michael’s College, he returned home with a plan in mind. With his ideas and passion for the sea, he created his company Lemon & Line. This was where the nautically inspired bracelets were bornin the year 2010. Originally based out of his home, Dave hand crafted his sea inspired rope bracelets and sold them in different boutiques all over the nation. In May of 2014, Lemon & Line’s Flagship store opened in the heart of downtown Newport, Rhode Island.

NEWPORT’S SAILOR ENTREPRENEURS – SALTY AND CREATIVE

The first style created was the Newport Style, a classic sailor’s knot bracelet. As time progressed, more designs emerged such as a spin off the original turk’s head. There are now seven different styles all named after different places located in Rhode Island and Massachusetts including Jamestown, Vineyard, Sakonnet, and Nantucket. In addition to the bracelets, different accessories have made their way into inventory as well. These include beach totes, key fobs, belts, tee shirts and hats all garnished with the famous Lemon & Line logo. It is not uncommon to see someone sporting their bracelets, hats and tote bags around Aquidneck Island as well as their eye catching stickers plastered on bumpers, cell phones and laptops.

THIS IS KNOT YOUR AVERAGE SUCCESS STORY

Aside from the New England inspired bracelets, Dave has created specialized bracelets for various foundations and events such as the Confetti Foundation, Sail Newport, Lukemia Cup Regatta and the official bracelet for Alvimedica, a member of the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race.

LIFE IS BETTER ON THE WATER

With the thriving business, Dave has opened two smaller scaled “pop up” stores in Nantucket and a second Newport location on Bowen’s Wharf. The expansion has done wonders for the company and will continue to aid in its growth. With the help of Dave’s wife Elizabeth and daughter Elle, he is living his dream as a successful sailor and businessman.

Click here to view the wide variety of bracelets and other accessories: http://www.lemonandline.com/

Callie is a contributing editor at Hogan Associates. She’s a native Aquidneck Islander, a graduate of Portsmouth Abbey and a rising senior at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. She’s studying business with a concentration in marketing and accounting and she loves writing about life on the island.

An interview with Ann Guinan, Executive Director of RhodySquash

I recently sat down with Ann Guinan, the Executive Director of RhodySquash to learn more about this program – where it’s been and where it’s going.

CR: Many people have heard of the game of Squash, but have no idea how it fits into a charitable organization. In a nutshell, what is RhodySquash all about?

AG: We provide an enrichment program for children in Newport County that incorporates health, wellness and athletics in the form of Squash, plus academics and self–actualization. Through sport and this fast-paced game, they learn the spirit of being apart of a team, get a physical outlet and a real confidence boost. We also expose our students to high school and college opportunities.

CR: Wow, can you give me some statistics about the program?

AG: We run the program from October – June and have 16 kids participating. Most of these kids are from families living below the poverty level. According to Kids Count RI during the 2014-15 year, 50 kids were homeless in the Newport public schools system. It is shocking the level of poverty that exists in Newport and its surrounding communities. We seek to source children from these backgrounds that would not otherwise have an opportunity to play squash and benefit from the program. The cost for the program per child is $2,400. We are 100% funded by donations.

CR: Does RhodySquash partner with any other organizations?

AG: Absolutely. We could not fulfill our mission without the help of a few key organizations like St. George’s, Newport Community Squash and the Boys and Girls Club. For example, St. George’s generously provides us with court time on their beautiful campus and the Boys and Girls Club provides us with transportation.

CR: What are the future plans for the program and how can people get involved?

AG: We are always looking for tutors to help the kids in the afternoons. Of course, you can always donate money, come to our fundraisers and get more info on our website: www.rhodysquash.org. We hope to continue to grow the program and eventually find it a permanent home on the island. Know any good realtors?

CR: Definitely! Now one last question and you can get back to work. What is the best thing about your job?

AG: That’s easy. Seeing a kid that never played sport before, or was involved in anything extracurricular for that matter, come alive on the court and watching their report cards improve term after term.

Caroline is a mom, wife and Realtor living in Newport with her husband and 2 young kids. Before embarking on her successful real estate career, She worked in New York, Boston, San Francisco and London for companies such as Morgan Stanley and BancBoston Capital and to mix it up a bit, spent some time working in Tuscany for a famous cookbook writer!

The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center’s holiday programs offer help and hope to hundreds of people in Newport County. They are our neighbors, friends, kids, teens, moms, dads – the folks who live and work all around us. The need is acute all year round but during the holidays it’s especially great. Read on to see how you can help!

Did you know that 1 in 5 Rhode Islanders is food insecure? Some need a little help, some need a lot, and that help is available at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

HOLIDAY HELP

In addition to opening the Food Pantry 5 times a week, the MLK distributes holiday meal baskets for the hungry. The baskets provide staples for the holiday meal along with enough food to fill the family’s table for the school vacation week.

Consider Suzanne*. Her story is all too common in Newport County:

“I thought I was all set for the holidays, but then the transmission went on my car. I had to use all my savings to get my car fixed so I could keep going back and forth to work. It was a huge bill and it wiped me out. I don’t have money for groceries, let alone for Christmas presents for my kids. I’m just trying to keep the rent paid. I really, really need this help.”

SANTA’s WORKSHOP at THE MLK

Thanks to you, Santa is coming to the MLK.

Volunteers will escort families through Santa’s Workshop to choose toys and gifts for their children aged birth to 16. After making their selections, families visit the wrapping room where volunteers wrap the presents for Christmas morning.

UNPRECEDENTED NEED – 360 KIDS, 274 FAMILIES

The holidays stress the budgets of the working poor in our community. Like Suzanne, the Center’s clients have to make difficult choices like rent or food, or heat or Christmas presents, or transportation or food.

Last year, the MLK provided gifts for 283 children. This year, the parents of 360 local kids will visit Santa’s Workshop. The Center will provide holiday meal baskets for 274 families, up from 240 families in 2014. Make the holiday a happy one for your needy neighbors by giving to the MLK Community Center All clients of the MLK Community Center are Newport County residents.

YOU CAN HELP!

The Center is in URGENT need of donations of food and gifts. Staples like peanut butter, proteins like canned chicken and tuna, baked beans; canned fruits, fresh fruit. Boxed/bagged side dishes as well as $10 supermarket gift cards are needed. Gifts for boys and girls aged 7-12 and $25 gift cards for teens (especially Walmart, TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Game Stop, Old Navy, Sports Authority and Barnes & Noble) are also in low supply.
Volunteers are also needed for both programs.

HERE’S HOW:

To help, please bring donations of food and toys by Thursday December 17th to the Center’s Loading Dock Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Newport County’s community resource Since 1922, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has continued to evolve in providing a safe and nurturing environment for the changing needs of Newport County residents who seek nutritional, educational and social supports to improve their quality of life. For more information, please contact Alyson Novick at anovick@mlkccenter.org or 401.846.4828 ext. 102.

For 45 years, “Christmas in Newport” activities have brightened the holidays here on Aquidneck Island. Nearly every day from December 1 through the New Year’s Day, diverseactivities showcase the wonder, joy and goodwill of the holiday season in Newport, RI.

Each year my friend Jennifer and I look forward to the Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale, which happens this Saturday, December 5th from 9 am to Noon at the Rotunda at Newport’s Easton’s Beach. There’s always a crowd, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. I guarantee you will see some friends, and it’s a great way to kick off the season!

CREATING THE WREATHS

This year, Jennifer and I got together on Monday evening and made a variety of wreaths, using different plant materials and embellishments. After a long day at work, I wasn’t feeling too creative. As the Christmas music played in the background, and we chatted, laughed and got busy cutting greens, tucking in dried flowers, hydrangea and seed pods from our gardens, the tension of the day melted away, it all came to life, and we had great fun. We added sea shells gathered on our beaches and ornaments hung on our trees from years ago. Once Jennifer tied all the bows (she’s the one with the talent!) we had 7 works of art!

This is the 15th year Holiday wreaths and tabletop decorations, made by local organizations, designers, garden clubs and individuals like us are sold for the benefit Lucy’ Hearth.

Lucy’s Hearth is in Middletown, RI and is a 24–hour emergency and transitional shelter for mothers and their children who are homeless due to economic hardship, family crisis, divorce, eviction and shortage of affordable housing. Their primary goal is to foster independence and to help the residents gain the life skills needed to prevent future chronic homeless.

So, next year, consider gathering your friends and your creativity and design some wreaths to donate to this worthy cause.

Not feeling creative???? Well then just come on by the Rotunda and buy a wreath or two, they make great gifts that will last through the holidays helping to support those in need all year long.

For more info on the Christmas in Newport Activities call (401) 849-6454.

A Newport Author’s Famous Story

For as long as my husband and I have been reading the famed “The Night Before Christmas” story to our children, we have adopted the tradition of driving through the beautiful Kay/Catherine area of Newport each year to show them the house in which the actual story was written. There is even a plaque of Santa Claus himself right on the front of the big, old, white Victorian home so that must mean it was written here right??

Before my children grow up to call their childhood memory of this seasonal tradition a big ole farce, I thought to do a little research on the author, Clement C. Moore. Did he really write the story and did he do so while residing at 25 Catherine Street? And to satisfy my literary curiosity further, I decided to examine some of the fascinating relationships between Newport and some very prominent authors that have called Newport home at one time or another.

Newport RI Authors

Newport was a breeding ground for some of the most incredible literary works of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps the most famous author was Edith Wharton, who penned The Age of Innocence in 1921, a novel that awarded her the Pulitzer Prize. In 1893, after many summers under her parent’s roof, she bought and renovated the house known as “Land’s End” at the southeast end of Ledge Road. Her dear friend and author, Henry James, best known for The Portrait of a Lady, also had a strong connection to Newport. James wrote a wonderful piece in Harper’s Bizarre Magazine in 1906 called “The Sense of Newport”. He profiled Newport, “the city by sea” as an enchanting destination, but was equally beguiled by it as the playground for the super rich in the opulent Guilded Age. Pin It

Many authors like Julia Ward Howe, who wrote Battle of the Republic, were from wealthy families who summered here. They were all well traveled and educated and returned year after year drawn to Newport’s natural beauty. Thorton Wilder, another Pulitzer Prize winner, first got his taste of Newport via the Army while stationed at Fort Adams during the final months of World War I. He later returned to Newport, staying at the Castle Hill Inn and wrote several great works including Theophilus North, which was later, adopted for film and shot here in Newport in 1987.

But I digress. What about Clement C. Moore and “The Night Before Christmas”? While Moore is said to be the true author of the wonderful story, he did not write it here in Newport. He did not arrive to our fair city until the 1850’s and the story was said to have been written in 1822 somewhere else.

However, I’ll continue to drive my children by the house, otherwise known as the “Clement C. Moore” house, and discuss not just the infamous story, but all the wonderful things about Newport that I want them to embrace and cherish. From famous authors and the stories that inspired generations of literary masterpieces… and the list continues to grow.

Tags

Caroline is a mom, wife and Realtor living in Newport with her husband and 2 young kids. Before embarking on her successful real estate career, She worked in New York, Boston, San Francisco and London for companies such as Morgan Stanley and BancBoston Capital and to mix it up a bit, spent some time working in Tuscany for a famous cookbook writer!